Rev. Rolland J. Severance, son of Thompson and Elnora Mills Severance, was born near Dodge Center, Minn., April 17, 1870, and died at his home in Hammond, La., on June 24, 1942. His father died when he was very small and the only father he remembered was his step-father, Deacon E. A. Sanford, whom the four Severance boys soon learned to love and respect.
His education was received at Dodge Center, Minn.; Milton, Wis.; and Alfred Theological Seminary. He served as student pastor at Andover, N. Y., a portion of the time while attending the seminary.
He was pastor of the First Brookfield Church at Leonardsville, N. Y., from May, 1910, to September, 1913; Riverside, Calif., from October, 1913, to June, 1919, when he accepted the call of the Missionary Board to become missionary of the Southwest and pastor of the church at Gentry, Ark. In the Spring of 1925, he became pastor of the church at Marlboro, N. J. During the summer of 1927, he accepted a call to become pastor of the church at Fouke, Ark., where he remained eight years and then became pastor of the church at White Cloud, Mich. After four years with this church he became missionary - evangelist and was in the employ of the Woman's Board, his work being directed by the Missionary Board. He overworked, and an exhausted heart was the result. In the fall of 1940; he accepted a call to become pastor of the church at Hammond, La., where he was still working when God called him home.
When a small boy he gave his heart to Christ, and has always been faithful in his service. He has said that he never asked God for an easy job, but for strength and wisdom to do the task given him to do.
He was married to Miss Mamie Saxton June 26, 1895. To this union were born two children. The boy died at the age of two and one-half years. He is survived by his widow and daughter, Mrs. Alberta Godfrey; two grandchildren, Rolleesa and Zale Godfrey; by two sisters, Mrs. O. D. Crandall, Mrs. W. L. Coalwell; four brothers, Walter Severance of Mt. Carroll, Ill.; Frank Severance of Dodge Center, Minn.; Bert Severance of Milton, Wis.; and Harry Sanford of Fresno, Calif.
Funeral services were held Sabbath afternoon, June 27, at the Seventh Day Baptist church, Dr. W. U. Holley of the Federated Church having charge of the services, assisted by Rev. J. W. Wood and Rev. T. H. Trotter. Flowers were many and beautiful. -Contributed.
